Apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution. That uses either wire mesh or corrugated coalescing media made of a oleo-philic material and a oleo-phobic material.

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution. Using either wire mesh or corrugated coalescing material made of an oleo-philic material and an oleo-phobic material. An inlet chamber that serves as a pre-coalescing vessel and reduces the velocity of the incoming fluid in an unhindered manor. The vessel contains five strategically placed baffles that gently change the direction of flow throughout the vessel. And four solids collection hoppers located under the vessel three of which have perforated plates that insure the solids become trapped beneath said plates. A coalescing media cleaning device consisting of strategically placed tubes throughout the coalescing media pack the evenly distributed bursts of air bubbles produced by this device agitates the accumulated solids thus releasing the solids into the fluid stream. A set of one or more angled plates with vertical oil collection tubes is located immediately after the coalescing media pack to enhance removal efficiencies of the coalescer unit. A collection chamber on the top of the vessel just ahead of the exit point collects the accumulated oil and a weir is used to regulate the discharge of the collected oil out a drain pipe. An outlet assemble that increases the velocity with minimal disturbance of the fluid for reintroduction into the process fluid stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of coalescing, and more particularly to an apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution. That uses either wire mesh or corrugated coalescing media made of a oleo-philic material and a oleo-phobic material.

[0002] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-cleaning coalescer for use in high flow rate environments that are subject to unusually high concentrations of suspended solids and continuous flows.

[0003] In addition to providing a coalescer with a removable coalescing media pack to aid in servicing the apparatus when necessary.

[0004] The coalescer according to the invention is capable of effectively removing solids as welt as separating immersible liquids on a continuous basis.

[0005] The coalescer can automatically clean the coalescing media at predetermined intervals with essentially no supervision.

[0006] When maintenance is required, the coalescing media can be readily removed from the vessel cleaned and reinstalled in a nominal time frame.

[0007] Many devices have been proposed for coalescing oil from Aqueous. Such apparatuses are often installed in solvent extraction plants for copper, nickel, lead, zinc, petroleum plants and the like. Such known apparatuses have not been completely satisfactory, mainly due to the difficulties associated with solids contained in the fluid streams and the high cost of maintenance of the coalescing media. The apparatus and/or the ability of the apparatus to adequately separate the immersible liquids while still maintaining reliability and service factors. Such known apparatuses often perform an adequate separation function when suspended solids in the fluid stream are under five milligrams per liter; however, the same apparatuses have not been satisfactory for continuous flow processing at high gallons per minute flow rates (i.e.: 3000 GPM) and suspender solids above five milligrams per liter without the use of expensive, high maintenance filtration systems or installed pre-coalescer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The primary object of the invention is A coalescer designed to operate under sever suspended solids conditions.

[0009] Another object of the invention is A coalescer designed to efficiently remove entrained oil from an aqueous fluid stream.

[0010] Another object of the invention is A coalescer vessel having five strategically placed vertical baffles that gently redirects the flow of the fluid in the vessel.

[0011] A further object of the invention is A coalescer capable of removing a large portion of those suspended solids from the fluid stream.

[0012] Yet another object of the invention is A coalescing vessel capable of collecting the suspended solids removed from the fluid.

[0013] Another object of the invention is A coalescer capable of automatically initiating a cleaning cycle of the coalescing media pack of accumulated solids.

[0014] A further object of the invention is A coalescing media pack containing strategically placed tubes which deliver bursts of air bubbles throughout the coalescing material.

[0015] Another object of the invention is A coalescer designed with an easily removed coalescing media pack.

[0016] A further object of the invention is A coalescing vessel having an inlet assemble that allows the fluid to reduce undisturbed in velocity.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is A coalescing vessel having an inlet assemble that also serves as a pre-coalescing chamber.

[0018] Still yet another object of the invention is A coalescing vessel that requires low inlet pressure.

[0019] Another object of the invention is A coalescing vessel that has an atmospheric discharge pressure.

[0020] Another object of the invention is A coalescer having a oil collection chamber located on top of the vessel adjacent to the outlet.

[0021] A further object of the invention is A collection chamber using a weir to regulate the discharge of collected oil.

[0022] Yet another object of the invention is A collection chamber having a outlet from which the recovered oil is drained.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0024] An apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution. That uses either wire mesh or corrugated coalescing media made of a oleo-philic material and a oleo-phobic material comprising: A vertical baffle positioned at the inlet to insure downward flow of the incoming fluid, A perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel that allows the solids to accumulate beneath it, The first hopper to collect the removed solids is located directly beneath the first perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel, A second vertical baffle located on the bottom of the vessel between the first and second collection hoppers gently redirects the flow upwards and prevents suspended solids from directly entering the coalescing media pack, A second perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel and immediately in front of the coalescing media pack will allow additional solids to gravity settle and become trapped beneath the perforated plate, A second hopper to collect the removed solids is located directly beneath the second perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel and just ahead of the coalescing media pack, A coalescing media pack of oleo-philic and oleo phobic material either wire mesh or corrugated in design, A air operated cleaning unit consisting of strategically placed tubes throughout the coalescing media pack agitates the accumulated solids with bursts of air bubbles thus releasing the solids into the fluid stream, A set of one or more angled plates with collection tubes is located after the coalescing media pack to enhance removal efficiencies of the coalescer unit, A third collection hopper located after the media pack and under the angled plates is for additional collection of suspended solids, A third vertical baffle is located immediately ahead of the oil collection chamber it is attached to the walls of the vessel and does not contact to top of the vessel, A forth vertical baffle is located on the bottom of the vessel between the third and forth solids collection hoppers, A forth collection hopper is located immediately after the forth vertical baffle under the third perforated plate, A fifth vertical baffle is located immediately after the oil collection chamber and gently directs the fluid downward, and The outlet assemble increases the velocity with minimal disturbance of the fluid for reintroduction into the process fluid stream.

[0025] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure A shows the inlet assemble that acts as a pre-coalescer

[0027] Figure A also shows the perforated plate and the first two baffles.

[0028] Figure A also shows the first two collection hoppers located under the vessel.

[0029] Figure B shows the coalescing media pack and the air tubes that make up the cleaning device.

[0030] Figure B also shows the angled plates immediately after the coalescing media pack.

[0031] Figure C Shows the collection chamber in relation to the vessel.

[0032] Figure C also shows the weir used to regulate discharge of collected oil.

[0033] Figure C also shows the third, fourth and fifth baffles that redirect flow in the vessel

[0034] Figure C also shows the third perforated plate and collection hoppers.

[0035] Figure D Shows a three dimensional view of the coalescer with media pack removed.

[0036] Figure E Shows a three dimensional view of the coalescer with media pack installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0038] This is an apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil particles from an aqueous solution.

[0039] As you have seen from the drawings the initial inlet and the final outlet is a common round shape. However the chambers attached to the inlet and outlet are key items.

[0040] The chamber on the inlet acts as a pre-coalescing vessel allowing the oil entrained in the aqueous solution additional time to separate and begin the coalescing process.

[0041] This chamber also decreased the velocity of the fluid as the fluid enters the main section of the vessel.

[0042] The strategically placed baffles in the first section of the vessel gently change the flow of the fluid causing the solids to drop out of the solution.

[0043] Allowing the solids to accumulate beneath the perforated plates of the hoppers.

[0044] As the fluid enters the coalescing media pack the droplets now larger in size are easily attracted and coalesced by the corrugated or wire mesh media made of oleo-philic and oleo-phobic materials.

[0045] As the solids eventually build up in the coalescing media the air agitation cleaning device comprised of strategically placed tubes throughout the coalescing media pack is activated the evenly distributed bursts of air bubbles cause the solids to be released from the coalescing media and once again become suspended in the fluid.

[0046] As the fluid now once again laden with solids exits the coalescing media pack the solids gravity settle or are carried upwards by the air bubbles and exit the coalescing vessel through the collection chamber, regulating weir and associated drainage system.

[0047] A two way valve in the drainage system activated by the air agitation system diverts the now solids saturated aqueous solution to a waste tank for processing.

[0048] As the fluid exits the coalescing media pack the angled plates collect the remaining free oil and the oil rises to the top of the vessel by way of vertical tubes attached to the angled plates.

[0049] The collection hopper after the media pack allows additional solids still in suspension to gravity settle.

[0050] The baffle plate located on the underside of the top of the vessel acts as a barrier preventing free droplets of oil to directly exit the vessel.

[0051] The collection chamber weir regulates the discharge of collected oil.

[0052] The last two baffles gently change the direction of flow causing additional solids to drop out in part by gravity.

[0053] The fluid is now compressed and accelerated in the exit chamber for reintroduction into the process stream.

[0054] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for the removal of suspended solids and entrained oil from an aqueous solution. That uses either wire mesh or corrugated coalescing media made of a oleo-philic material and a oleo-phobic material. comprising: A vertical baffle positioned at the inlet to insure downward flow of the incoming fluid; A perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel that allows the solids to accumulate beneath it; The first hopper to collect the removed solids is located directly beneath the first perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel; A second vertical baffle located on the bottom of the vessel between the first and second collection hoppers gently redirects the flow upwards and prevents suspended solids from directly entering the coalescing media pack. A second perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel and immediately in front of the coalescing media pack will allow additional solids to gravity settle and become trapped beneath the perforated plate; A second hopper to collect the removed solids is located directly beneath the second perforated plate located in the bottom of the vessel and just ahead of the coalescing media pack; A coalescing media pack of oleo-philic and oleo-phobic material either wire mesh or corrugated in design; A air operated cleaning device consisting of strategically placed tubes throughout the coalescing media pack agitates the accumulated solids with bursts of evenly distributed air bubbles thus releasing the solids into the fluid stream; A set of one or more angled plates with collection tubes is located after the coalescing media pack to enhance removal efficiencies of the coalescer unit under normal operating conditions; A third collection hopper located after the media pack and under the angled plates is for additional collection of suspended solids; A third vertical baffle is located immediately ahead of the oil collection chamber it is attached to the walls of the vessel and does not contact the top of the vessel; A forth vertical baffle is located on the bottom of the vessel between the third and forth solids collection hoppers; A forth collection hopper is located immediately after the forth vertical baffle under the third perforated plate; A fifth vertical baffle is located immediately after the oil collection chamber that gently directs the fluid downward; and The outlet assemble increases the velocity with minimal disturbance of the fluid for reintroduction into the process fluid stream. 